The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
STORY TIME STARS
Library’s West River Branch program entertains youngsters
The Elyria Public Library System West River Branch, 1194 W. River Road, hosted an event Sept. 17 to keep children ages 5 and younger entertained.
“We have our Story Time Stars once a week on Mondays,” said Jenny Beno, children’s librarian for the branch. “The theme for this week’s was apples. We have the apple festival coming up, and it fits in perfectly with September.”
Beno said she provides some variety during the half hour run time of the program.
“I try to mix it up to keep the kids engaged,” she said.
“We start off by playing some music and having them move around.”
— Jenny Beno, children’s librarian for the West River Branch
“We start off by playing some music and having them move around.
“I then follow up with a book, and then I get them moving again. You have to try and keep them entertained. A half hour is an eternity for them, so you
have get that energy released by moving around.”
Beno said the children really enjoy the program.
“They get into it, that’s for sure,” she said. “They really are active, and that’s what I love to see. They also, for the most part, behave well and make it a good experience for everyone involved.”
Beno said the themes will change with each week.
“We will shift things as we get closer toward seasonal holidays,” she said. “I may have a pumpkin theme one week. I might also do a monster theme around Halloween. The program does a good job of allowing them to be around other kids, and I hope they take something out of it.”
Roshelle Owen, of Elyria, brought her grandson to the event.
“This is our first time at this program,” Owen said. “He loves being read to. He’s excited about it, and I’m glad I can take him to something he will enjoy.”
Story Time Stars will continue at 10:30 a.m. Mondays through Nov. 12. For more information, visit http://www.elyria. lib.oh.us/ or call 440-3249823.